Watered down switchblade bill goes to governor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A watered down version of a proposal that originally sought to lift a ban on switchblades and knives with blades longer than 4 inches is headed to the governor for his consideration.

The Senate voted 27-4 this week to concur with the House version, which does away with those two provisions, but it still removes the power of local governments to make their own knife regulations.

Currently, local governments can pass their own ordinances restricting knives, although the maximum penalty they can impose is a fine of up to $50.

The bill gives state legislators the sole power to decide rules for the possession, transfer and transportation of knives.

The sponsors of the proposal are Republican Sen. Mike Bell of Riceville and Republican Rep. Vance Dennis of Savannah.